This course is brought to you by NC State

This course is designed to introduce participants to the idea of whole-body posture analysis. How does chronic OA change the center of gravity? What are the long-term effects of unilateral or bilateral joint disease? This lab will give participants a chance to learn the ramifications of chronic joint disease, metabolic disease and activity on our canine patients.

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain an understanding of basic anatomy
The role of tonic and phasic muscles
Conditions of the thoracic limb
Conditions of the pelvic limb
Conditions of the spine
Palpation lab

Course Outline

Lecture

Basic anatomy and the role of tonic and phasic muscles.
Conditions of the thoracic limb:
- carpal hyperextension
- elbow OCD
- elbow congruency
- shoulder OCD and tendinopathy
Conditions of the pelvic limb:
- Tarsal OCD
- CCL
- Stifle OA
- Hip dysplasia/OA
- LS and SI dysfunction
Conditions of the spine:
- Cervical myelopathy
- Degenerative myelopathy
- IVDD

Lab

Hands on palpation of thoracic limb, pelvic limb and spine.
Evaluation of posture symmetry and asymmetry.
Evaluation of gait and weight bearing.
Evaluation of muscle tone and symmetry.
Open forum of discussion of findings.

Kirsty Oliver

VN, RVT, VTS (phys. rehab), CCRP, CCAT, CCMT, CVPP.
Veterinary Surgical Centers, Vienna, Virginia, US Kirsty Oliver is presenting on behalf of NC State/NES and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.

Kirsty Oliver is an English trained Veterinary Nurse who holds an Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (surgical). Having dedicated the first half of her career to nursing surgical and orthopaedic patients, Kirsty qualified in veterinary rehabilitation (CCRP) in 2005. In 2010, she added CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner) through the IVAPM. Kirsty joined VSC/VSCR in 2016 after spending 14 years at a large veterinary hospital in New Jersey.

In 2018, she obtained her VTS in Physical Rehabilitation with the APRVT (Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians). In 2022, Kirsty was invited to become an instructor for the new CCAT Rehabilitation Program through NE Seminars and NC State.

Kirsty has a passion for manual therapy and myofascial treatment to help patients move better after injury. When she isn’t working, Kirsty lives with her hubby, 3 cats, 4 chickens, and 2 bee hives in the mountains of West Virgina.

Sessions:: Thurs. Apr. 30th, 2:15pm - 6:30pm
Credits:: 4.0 RACE approval pending; 4.0 NYSED-approved
Course Rating:: Intermediate: CCRP, CCRT, CCAT
Advanced: DVM/VMD, PT, VT, CCRA, CCRVN
Policies:: To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by March 28, 2026. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.